The expectation is that Johnson will return, and he remains under contract with the organization as an advisor through the 2014 season. That was his role before he moved the dugout midway through last season following the sudden resignation of manager Jim Riggleman.

The newspaper reports Johnson and the Nationals are working on a new deal that would result him in returning as manager.

Johnson led the Nationals to a major league-best 98 wins and the NL East title this past season, though they lost in disappointing fashion to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS.

“I think I’ve accomplished what was needed to this point,” Johnson told The Washington Post just a few days after the NLDS loss last month. “Is there some unfinished business? Yeah, there’s some unfinished business. But that’ll be up to ownership. That ball is in their court. I don’t have a bad feeling, and I don’t mind waiting until November like last year.”